Surgery for Blocked Arteries <br />Is Often Unnecessary, Says Study.<br />The study known as Ischemia followed <br />5,179 participants for a median time <br />span of three and a half years. <br />It is the largest study of its kind.<br />The federal study focused on patients who <br />were treated for non-emergency blocked <br />arteries with stint or bypass surgeries and <br />patients who were treated with medication alone.<br />The study found that deaths <br />occurring after stint or bypass <br />surgery reached 145 people.<br />Deaths among those <br />who were treated with only <br />medication reached 144.<br />276 of those in the stint and <br />bypass group suffered heart attacks <br />compared to 314 of those who <br />were treated with medication.<br />Many doctors expected that stents or bypass<br /> would benefit those with severe chest pain or <br />blockages. But according to the study, "there <br />was no suggestion that any subgroup benefited.".<br />Doctors say the <br />study "certainly will <br />challenge our clinical thinking."
